Portable Disposable Toilet

ABSTRACT

A portable toilet that includes a top section, a bottom section, a side wall, and a door system. The top section includes a top wall slot. The bottom section includes a bottom wall slot. The side wall includes a top edge that is removably insertable into the top wall slot. The side wall includes a bottom edge of that is removably insertable into the bottom wall slot. The door system includes a door frame and at least one door. The door frame includes first and second wall side slots. A first side of the side wall is removably insertable into the first wall side slot, and a second side of the side wall is removably insertable into the second wall side slot.

The present invention is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/323,023 filed Dec. 12, 2011, which in turn claims priority on U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/421,658 filed Dec. 10, 2010, whichis incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention is directed to a portable toilet that includes oneor more disposable components. The portable toilet has the advantage ofbeing easier to clean, and easier and more convenient to transport.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable toilets are known in the art. Non-limiting examples of suchprior art portable toilets are disclosed in U.S. D624,663; U.S.D545,451; U.S. D519,645; U.S. D452,901; U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,392; U.S.Pat. No. 6,507,958; U.S. Pat. No. 6,427,256; U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,785;U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,111; U.S. Pat. No. 4,380,836; US 2007/0174955; US2003/0208838; WO 2009/123655; and DE 10342371, all of which are fullyincorporated herein by reference.

Prior art portable toilets are commonly modular units that are formed ofplastic material. The portable toilets are typically shipped assembled.After used, the complete interior is cleaned and flushed out forsubsequent use. Although prior art portable toilets have advantageouslysolved sanitary problems in locations that have insufficient, few or nobathroom facilities, these prior art portable toilets have severaldisadvantages.

One disadvantage of prior art portable toilet is the time and difficultyof thoroughly cleaning the portable toilet after use. The interiorcavity of the portable toilet must be fully cleaned and sanitized afteruse. The small interior cavity makes it difficult to access the completeinterior cavity. As such, the cleaning of the portable toilet is verytime consuming and labor intensive. Also, the proper and constantcleaning of the interior components of the portable toilet is difficultto maintain.

Another disadvantage of prior art portable toilets is that the assembledportable toilets are bulky, thus only a few portable toilets can betransported at a time by a standard truck. Larger transport trucks arerequired to transports larger numbers of the portable toilets. The size,weight and bulk of the portable toilets require multiple individuals tomove the portable toilets on and off of a transport vehicle. As such,the shipping, unloading and loading of the portable toilets are verylabor intensive and typically require multiple individuals.

Another disadvantage associated with portable toilets is the difficultyassociated with branding a portable toilet. Many public events (e.g.,fairs, carnivals, outdoor craft shows, outdoor festivals, outdoorcooking events, etc.) that draw substantial numbers of people to alocation that typically do not have sanitary facilities for large groupsof people (e.g., parks, parking lots, street events, etc.) are sponsoredby one or more companies or organizations. These events also typicallyrequire the use of portable toilets to accommodate the sanitaryrequirements of large groups of people at the event. Many sponsors seekbranding of items at the event to promote the company or organization.The inclusion of advertising on the portable toilets generally isdifficult or expensive. Custom painting or forming the portable toiletto include a brand name or symbol on the portable toilet is expensiveand the portable toilet must forever be used with such brand. Banners orstickers can be applied to the portable toilet; however, such bannerscan be unsanitary or easily removed, and stickers can be difficult toremove thus defacing the portable toilet.

In view of the current state of the art of portable toilets, there is aneed for an improved portable toilet that is easy to clean, transport,and which can be branded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a portable toilet that includes oneor more disposable components. The portable toilet is designed to beeasy to clean, and easier and more convenient to transport than priorart portable toilets. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention,the portable toilet is formed of disposable and reusable components. Inone non-limiting arrangement, all or a portion of the side wall of theportable toilet is formed of one or more disposable components (e.g.,paper board, cardboard, fiber board, press board, etc.). In onenon-limiting design, all or a portion of the side wall of the portabletoilet is formed of a paper board, cardboard material, press board,and/or fiberboard material. As can be appreciated, paper board,cardboard material, press board, and/or fiberboard material can includematerials in addition to or other than cellulose materials (e.g.,plastic material, starch, adhesives, composite materials, etc.);however, this is not required. The paper board, cardboard material,press board, and/or fiberboard material is designed to be disposableafter use of the portable toilet. The paper board, cardboard material,press board and/or fiberboard material is generally formed or includesrecycled materials; however, this is not required. The color andthickness of the paper board, cardboard material, press board and/orfiberboard material is non-limiting. One or more layers of paper board,cardboard material, press board, and/or fiberboard material can be usedto form the side wall of the portable toilet. Generally, the totalthickness of the one or more layers of paper board, cardboard material,press board and/or fiberboard material used to form the side wall of theportable toilet is least about 0.125 inches; however, thinnerthicknesses can be used. Generally, the total thickness of the one ormore layers of paper board, cardboard material, press board and/orfiberboard material used to form the side wall of the portable toilet isup to about 6 inches; however, greater thicknesses can be used. In onenon-limiting configuration, the total thickness of the one or morelayers of paper board, cardboard material, press board and/or fiberboardmaterial used to form the side wall of the portable toilet is about0.25-5 inches, typically the total thickness of the one or more layersof paper board, cardboard material, press board and/or fiberboardmaterial used to form the side wall of the portable toilet is about0.25-4 inches, more typically the total thickness of the one or morelayers of paper board, cardboard material, press board and/or fiberboardmaterial used to form the side wall of the portable toilet is about0.5-4 inches, even more typically the total thickness of the one or morelayers of paper board, cardboard material, press board and/or fiberboardmaterial used to form the side wall of the portable toilet is about0.5-3 inches, and still even more typically the total thickness of theone or more layers of paper board, cardboard material, press boardand/or fiberboard material used to form the side wall of the portabletoilet is about 0.5-2 inches. The use of a disposable paper board,cardboard material, press board and/or fiberboard material for all or aportion of the side wall of the portable toilet can result in the totalweight of the portable toilet to be lighter than standard prior artportable toilets. Generally the portable toilet of the present inventionis about 10%-50% lighter than prior art portable toilets of the samesize, shape and configuration. In another and/or alternativenon-limiting embodiment of the invention, the disposable material formsabout 10%-100% of the side wall of the portable toilet. The disposablematerial used on the side wall of the portable toilet enables suchmaterial to be recycled or disposed of after use of the portable toilet,thus this portion of the portable toilet does not require cleaning afteruse. As such, the portable toilet of the present invention has less areato be cleaned after use, thus reducing the time and manpower required toclean the portable toilet of the present invention. In one non-limitingdesign, the disposable material forms about 25%-100% of the side wall ofthe portable toilet, typically the disposable material forms about40%-100% of the side wall of the portable toilet, more typically thedisposable material forms at least a majority of the side wall of theportable toilet, still more typically the disposable material formsabout 60%-100% of the side wall of the portable toilet, and even moretypically the disposable material forms about 75%-100% of the side wallof the portable toilet.

In one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the portable toiletof the present invention includes a disposable side wall and modularnon-disposable top and/or bottom sections. The disposable side wall isgenerally formed of a disposable material such as, but not limited topaper board, cardboard, corrugated paper board, fiber board, pressboard, and the like. Generally the disposable material is completely orpartially formed of a cellulose material; however, this is not required.As can be appreciated, all or a portion of the side wall of the portabletoilet can be formed of a disposable paper product. The top and/orbottom sections of the portable toilet are fully or partially formed ofmaterials that are reusable and can generally be easily cleaned.Non-limiting examples of materials that are reusable and can generallybe easily cleaned include plastic, composite materials, fiberglass,carbon fiber material, metal, and the like. In one non-limitingembodiment of the invention, the top section of the portable toilet isformed of a reusable material. In one non-limiting design, the topsection is designed to facilitate in securing to the side wall of theportable toilet and maintain the shape of the side wall of the portabletoilet; however, this is not required. In another and/or alternativenon-limiting design, the top section can be designed to be easilyconnected to and/or removed from the side wall of the portable toilet soas to facilitate in easy assembly and/or disassembly of the portabletoilet. In still another and/or alternative non-limiting design, theroof or ceiling that is formed by the top section can be formed of areusable or a disposable material. In one non-limiting configuration,the roof or ceiling that is formed by the top section can be formed of areusable material. In such a configuration, the top section can be asingle piece of material (e.g., molded plastic material, etc.); however,this is not required. In another non-limiting configuration, the roof orceiling that is formed by the top section can be formed of a disposablematerial. In such a configuration, the ceiling or roof can be formed ofa cellulose material and/or cellulose containing material (e.g., paperboard, cardboard, corrugated paper board, fiber board, press board,wood, etc.). The disposable material can be designed to be easilyinserted and/or removed from the reusable portion of the top section foreasy assembly and/or disassembly of the portable toilet; however, thisis not required. The inclusion of disposable materials on the topsection can be used to lighten the top section, reduce the timenecessary to the clean the top section, and/or increase the ease toclean the top section; however, this is not required. The material usedto form the disposable ceiling or roof can be the same or similarmaterial and/or have the same or similar thickness as the material usedto form the disposable side wall of the portable toilet; however, thisis not required. In another non-limiting configuration, the top surfaceof the roof or ceiling that is formed by the top section can be formedinto certain shapes that correspond to the theme of the portable toilet;however, this is not required. For example, if the portable toilet wasshaped similarly to a can and included advertising that was associatedwith the look of a can (e.g., Coke can, Sprite can, Dr. Pepper can,Pepsi Can, Mountain Dew can. etc.), the top surface of the ceiling orroof can be designed to look similar to the top of such a can (e.g.,include structures that look similar to the opening tab of the can,etc.); however, this is not required. In still yet another and/oralternative non-limiting design, the bottom section can be designed tobe easily connected to and/or removed from the side wall of the portabletoilet so as to facilitate in easy assembly and/or disassembly of theportable toilet. In another and/or alternative non-limiting design, thefloor that is formed by the bottom section can be formed of a reusableor a disposable material. In one non-limiting configuration, the floorof the portable toilet that is formed by the bottom section can beformed of a reusable material. In such a configuration, the bottomsection can be a single piece of material (e.g., molded plasticmaterial, etc.); however, this is not required. In another non-limitingconfiguration, the floor that is formed by the bottom section can beformed of a disposable material. In such a configuration, the floor canbe formed of a cellulose material and/or cellulose containing material(e.g., paper board, cardboard, corrugated paper board, fiber board,press board, wood, etc.). The disposable material can be designed to beeasily inserted and/or removed from the reusable portion of the bottomsection for easy assembly and/or disassembly of the portable toilet;however, this is not required. The inclusion of disposable materials onthe bottom section can be used to lighten the bottom section, reduce thetime necessary to the clear the bottom section, and/or increase the easeto clean the bottom section; however, this is not required. The materialused to form the disposable floor can be the same or similar materialand/or have the same of similar thickness as the material used to formthe disposable side wall of the portable toilet; however, this is notrequired.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, theportable toilet includes a door system. The configuration of the doorsystem is non-limiting. For purposes of the present invention, the doorsystem is separate from the side wall of the portable toilet. In onenon-limiting embodiment of the invention, the door system is formed ofreusable materials. In another and/or alternative non-limitingembodiment of the invention, the door system includes or is fully formedof disposable materials. In still another and/or alternativenon-limiting embodiment of the invention, the door system is connectedto the top and/or bottom section of the portable toilet; however, thisis not required. In yet another and/or alternative non-limitingembodiment of the invention, the door system includes a lockingarrangement to enable a user in the portable toilet to lock and unlockthe one or more doors on the door system; however, this is not required.In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of theinvention, the door system includes a single door. In another and/oralternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the door systemincludes two doors. In still another and/or alternative non-limitingembodiment of the invention, one or more doors on the door systeminclude a handle and/or grasping region to facilitate in the openingand/or closing of the one or more doors; however, this is not required.In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of theinvention, one or more doors on the door system are pivotally connectedto a frame of the door system; however, this is not required. In stillyet another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention,the door system is connectable to the side wall of the portable toilet;however, this is not required.

In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of theinvention, the disposable side wall of the portable toilet includes oneor more groove or slots that enable the side wall to be bent to thedesired configuration during the assembly of the portable toilet. One ofthe importable advantages of the portable toilet of the presentinvention is the modular configuration of the portable toilet. Generallyall or a portion of the bottom and top of the portable toilet is formedof a reusable material such as plastic. These pieces are generallyshipped to a location and the portable toilet is assembled at aparticular location which is generally where the portable toilet is tobe used; however, this is not required. Likewise, the door system isgenerally shipped to a location and the portable toilet is assembled ata particular location which is generally where the portable toilet is tobe used; however, this is not required. The door system is generallyformed of a reusable material such as plastic; however, this is notrequired. Furthermore, the side wall of the portable toilet is generallyshipped to a location and the portable toilet is assembled at aparticular location which is generally where the portable toilet is tobe used; however, this is not required. When the side wall is in theform of paper board, cardboard, corrugated paper board, fiber board,press board and the like, the side wall is generally shipped in the formof a flat or generally flat sheet for easy packaging, spacing saving,storage and transport. The modular design of the portable toilet resultsin easier packaging, space savings, storage and transport of thecomponents of the portable toilet as compared to fully assembled priorart portable toilets. Once the side wall is delivered to a desiredlocation, the flat side wall must be bent in certain regions so that theside wall can be fitted to the top section, bottom section and/or doorsystem of the portable toilet during assembly of the portable toilet. Inone non-limiting configuration, the side wall is formed of one or moresections, wherein at least one of the sections includes a groove or slotthat facilitates in the bending of the side wall to conform with theshape of at least a portion of the outer surface of the portable toilet.In another non-limiting configuration, the side wall is formed of onepiece and the side wall includes a plurality of grooves or slots tofacilitate in the bending of the side wall to conform to the shape ofthe outer side wall of the portable toilet. In this non-limitingconfiguration, the side wall generally includes 3-10 grooves or slots sothat the one piece side wall can be bent at 3-10 locations, typicallyincludes 3-8 grooves or slots so that the one piece side wall can bebent at 3-8 locations, more typically includes 3-6 grooves or slots sothat the one piece side wall can be bent at 3-7 locations. As can beappreciated, the side wall can include more than 10 grooves or slots.

In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention,the disposable side wall can include printed advertising, designs and/orliterature on the inner and/or outer surface of the disposable sidewall; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodiment ofthe invention, the outside surface of the side wall can includesponsorship information regarding event sponsors, companies sponsoringthe portable toilets, etc. In another and/or additional non-limitingembodiment of the invention, the outside surface of the side wall caninclude printed designs and/or information, etc. to make the outside ofthe portable toilet look similar to a product (e.g., beverage can [e.g.,Red Bull can, Coke can, Pepsi can, Miller can, Budweiser can, etc.],beverage bottle [Coke bottle, Pierre bottle, etc.], beverage container[e.g., Gatorade, 5-Hour Energy bottle, etc.], oil can [Mobil Oil can,Pennzoil can, etc.], non-beverage container [e.g., Comet can, Turtle Waxcan, etc.], sponsorship information regarding event sponsors, companiessponsoring the portable toilets, etc. In still another and/or additionalnon-limiting embodiment of the invention, the inside surface of the sidewall can include printed designs and/or information (e.g., sponsorshipinformation, information on use of the portable toilet, safetyinformation, emergency information, etc.), etc.; however, this is notrequired.

In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of theinvention, the top and/or bottom section of the portable toilet caninclude a configuration that facilitates in creating an overall look ofthe portable toilet regarding a product configuration. For example, whenthe outside side wall of the portable toilet includes printing to makethe portable toilet look like a product (e.g., Coke can, etc.), the topand/or bottom sections of the portable toilet can also be designed toinclude one or more features of the product (e.g., top section includesfeatures that look like the can tab for a Coke can, top section includesa rim that looks like the top rim of a Coke can, top section includes acurved profile that looks like the curved profile of the top of a Cokecan, bottom section includes a curved profile that looks like the curvedprofile of the bottom of a Coke can, etc.); however, this is notrequired.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, thetop section, bottom section and/or side wall of the portable toilet caninclude one or more vents or vent openings; however, this is notrequired.

In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of theinvention, the interior of the portable toilet can include one or morefeatures (e.g., sink, toilet paper dispenser, faucet, urinal, toilet,mirror, shelf, handle, toilet seat, toilet lid, refuse receptacle, fan,light, pump, etc.).

In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention,the top and bottom sections can be designed to be stacked together foreasy transport; however, this is not required. In one non-limitingembodiment, sets of stacked top and bottom sections can be stackedtogether for easy transport; however, this is not required.

In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of theinvention, the toilet system that is used on the interior of theportable toilet can be foldable for compact shipping; however, this isnot required. In one non-limiting embodiment, the toilet system isfoldable such that can be positioned between two stacked top and bottomsections for easy transport and storage; however, this is not required.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, theside wall includes one or more mounting slots that are used to securethe toilet system to the side wall of the portable toilet; however, thisis not required.

In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of theinvention, a removable disposable waste pouch is positioned in thetoilet of the toilet system to collect waste deposited in the toilet;however, this is not required. The removable disposable waste pouch canbe substituted for a standard waste tank that is commonly used in aportable toilet. The use of the removable disposable waste pouch isdesigned to save space, reduce the weight of the portable toilet, makethe transport of the portable toilet components simpler, make thedisposal of waste simpler, and/or make the assembly of the portabletoilet simpler; however, this is not required.

In use, the top section, bottom section, door assembly, and internalcomponents of the portable toilet (e.g., urinal, toilet structure,toilet seat, etc.) are shipped to an event location in unassembled form.Since these components are unassembled, more of these components can beshipped in the same space than if the portable toilet had beenpreassembled. The side wall can also be shipped with the reusablecomponents of the portable toilet or shipped separately. Generally theside wall is not pre-bent, but may be pre-creased so that the side wall,during assembly of the portable toilet, can be more easily formed intoshape; however, this is not required. The unassembled portable toilettakes up less space than traditional preassembled toilets; thus theportable toilets of the present invention are easier to store, and takesup less space during storage and transport. The portable toilets of thepresent invention are also generally lighter than traditional portabletoilets. The portable toilets of the present invention are to bedesigned for easy assembly at an event site, and can be easilydisassembled after the event is completed. The side wall is designed tobe disposed of after the portable toilet is disassembled, thus reducingcleanup time of the other reusable components of the portable toilet.The reusable components are generally formed of durable materials (e.g.,plastic materials, etc.) that can be easily cleaned and then reshippedto another event and/or stored for later use. The disposable side wallis generally made of recyclable material so that the side can bedisposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. When the portabletoilet is to be used for different venues and/or events, the side wallscan include printed materials to reflect a certain sponsorship and/orevent. The top section of the portable toilet can optionally be designedfor simple modification to complement a theme of the portable toilet;however, this is not required.

It is one non-limiting object of the present invention to provide animproved portable toilet.

It is another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentinvention to provide a portable toilet that is lighter than prior artportable toilets.

It is still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of thepresent invention to provide a portable toilet that includes arecyclable side wall and a reusable top and bottom section.

It is yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentinvention to provide a portable toilet that can be transported in adisassembled form and be easily assembled on site.

It is still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of thepresent invention to provide a portable toilet that includes printedmaterial on the disposable side wall.

It is another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentinvention to provide a portable toilet that can easily include a varietyof sponsorship information on the side wall of the portable toilets.

It is still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of thepresent invention to provide a portable toilet that can be made to looklike a product can and has a disposable side wall that can includeprinted material to facilitate in making the portable toilet look likean enlarged version of a particular product.

It is yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentinvention to provide a portable toilet that has top and bottom sectionsthat can be designed to be stacked together for easy transport and/oreasy and convenient storage.

It is still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of thepresent invention to provide a portable toilet that has sets of stackedtop and bottom sections that can be stacked together for easy transportand/or easy and convenient storage.

It is another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentinvention to provide a portable toilet system that is used on theinterior of the portable toilet that can be foldable for compactshipping and/or easy and convenient storage.

It is still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of thepresent invention to provide a portable toilet system that is foldablesuch that it can be positioned between two stacked top and bottomsections for easy transport and/or easy and convenient storage.

It is still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of thepresent invention to provide a portable toilet that has a side wall thatincludes one or more mounting slots that are used to secure the toiletsystem to the side wall of the portable toilet.

It is another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentinvention to provide a portable toilet that has a removable disposablewaste pouch that is positioned in the toilet of the toilet system tocollect waste deposited in the toilet.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon reading and following the description takentogether with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference may now be made to the drawings which illustrate variouspreferred embodiments that the invention may take in physical form andin certain parts and arrangement of parts wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of one non-limiting configuration of theportable toilet of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the portable toilet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear plan view of the portable toilet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the portable toilet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the portable toilet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the portable toilet of FIG. 1 absentthe side wall and door system,

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the portable toilet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the portable toilet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the top and bottom sections of theportable toilet of FIG. 1 in a stacked arrangement;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of FIG. 10 and illustrating a collapsibletoilet system that can be positioned between the top and bottom sectionsof the portable toilet when in the stacked arrangement of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 illustrates a plurality of top and bottom sections in thestacked arrangement of FIG. 10 that are stacked on top of one another;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of one non-limiting side wall in the unfoldedconfiguration;

FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of a plurality of stacked side wallsin the unfolded configuration;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the door system;

FIG. 16 is a front plan view of the door system;

FIG. 17 is a rear plan view of the door system;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the door system;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged front elevation view of a lock system for thedoor system in the locked position;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged front elevation view of a lock system for thedoor system in the unlocked position;

FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of one non-limiting collapsible toiletsystem in the collapsed position;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the collapsible toilet system of FIG. 21wherein the toilet housing is in the open position;

FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of the collapsible toilet system ofFIG. 21 wherein the collapsible toilet system is in the non-collapsedposition and the toilet housing is in the open position to receive anon-limited configuration of a disposable refuse receptacle;

FIGS. 24-27 are various folded and unfolded views of the disposablerefuse receptacle;

FIG. 28 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of the portabletoilet that is absent the side wall and door system wherein a differenttoilet system is illustrated; and,

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purposeof illustrating one non-limiting embodiment of the invention only andnot for the purpose of limiting same, FIGS. 1-27 illustrate onenon-limiting embodiment of the portable toilet in accordance with thepresent invention. Referring to FIGS. 1-6, a non-limiting shape of theportable toilet 100 of the present invention is illustrated. Theportable toilet is illustrated as having eight (8) sides and one of thesides includes a door system for the portable toilet; however, this isnot required. The sides of the portable toilet are illustrated asgenerally the same width, thus forming a generally octagon shape;however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the portabletoilet can have a greater or lesser number of sides (e.g., 3 sides, 4sides, 5 sides, 6 sides, 7 sides, 9 sides, 10 sides, etc.); however,this is not required. As can also be appreciated, one or more of thesides can have a larger or smaller width than one or more other sides ofthe portable toilet; however, this is not required. As such, the shapeof the outer shape of the portable toilet of the present invention isnon-limiting. The height of the portable toilet is also non-limiting.Generally the height of the portable toilet in the fully assembled formis about 5-9 feet; however, other heights can be used. The maximumcross-sectional area of the portable toilet in the fully assembled form(e.g., foot print of the portable toilet) is non-limiting. Generally,the maximum cross-sectional area of the portable toilet in the fullyassembled form is about 10-40 square feet, typically about 12-30 squarefeet, more typically about 15-25 square feet, and even more typicallyabout 16-22 square feet; however, other maximum cross-sectional areascan be used. In one non-limiting configuration, the maximumcross-sectional area of the portable toilet in the fully assembled formis about 19-20 square feet. The maximum cross-sectional width of theportable toilet in the fully assembled form is non-limiting. Generally,the maximum cross-sectional width of the portable toilet in the fullyassembled form is about 3-8 feet, typically about 3-6 feet, and moretypically about 3.5-6 feet; however, other maximum cross-sectionalwidths can be used. In one non-limiting configuration, the maximumcross-sectional width of the portable toilet in the fully assembled formis about 4-5 feet. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the portable toilet 100includes a top section 200, a bottom section 300, a side wall 400, adoor system 500 and a toilet system 600.

The top section of the portable toilet can have any number ofconfigurations, shapes and sizes. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the topsection is a two-piece unit; however, it can be appreciated that the topsection can be a single piece unit or be formed of more than two pieces.The lower portion 210 of the top section has a generally circularcross-sectional shape; however, the lower portion 210 can have othercross-sectional shapes (e.g., square, rectangular, oval, polygonal,etc.). The lower portion includes a side wall flange 220 that can fullyor partially encircle the body 212 of the lower portion of the topsection. As will be described in more detail below, the side wall flangeis designed to fit about a top region of the side wall when the lowerportion of the top section is positioned on the top edge of the sidewall. The side wall flange includes an inner surface 222 that isdesigned to engage the side wall; however, this is not required. Theinner surface of the side wall flange can have a continuous arcuatesurface or be formed of a plurality of straight or arcuate sections. Asillustrated in FIG. 6, the inner surface of the side wall flange isformed of a plurality of straight or arcuate sections 222 a. The numberof straight or arcuate sections 222 a generally is the same as thenumber of sides of the portable toilet; however, this is not required.As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the portable toilet includes eight (8)sides. As such, the number of straight or arcuate sections 222 a of theside wall flange for the top section illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 is eight(8). Also, the length of the straight or arcuate sections is generallythe same as the length of a corresponding side wall section. As can beappreciated, the configuration of the inner surface of the side wallflange can be used to properly orient the top section on the side wall;however, this is not required. The body 212 of the lower portion caninclude a bottom landing 214 that is designed to engage the top edge ofthe side wall when the top section is placed on the side wall; however,this is not required. The bottom landing extends inwardly from the innersurface of the side wall flange. A wall slot, not shown, can beoptionally used to receive a portion of the top edge of the side wallwhen the top section is fitted on the side wall; however, this is notrequired. When a wall slot is used, the inner surface of the side wallflange can form one side of the wall slot; however, this is notrequired.

The top rim 216 of the bottom portion is illustrated as positionedinwardly of the outer surface of the side wall flange; however, this isnot required. The configuration of the top rim is non-limiting. Indeed,the inclusion of the top rim is optional. As illustrated in FIG. 1-6,the portable toilet is illustrated as looking similar to a beverage can.As such, the top rim is designed to look similar to the top of abeverage can or some other type of product container. Essentially, thetop rim is used to create a certain look for the top section. Therefore,if the top section is to have a flat surface, the top rim on body 212 ofthe lower portion could be eliminated; however, this is not required.

The body 212 of the lower portion includes a vent tube opening 218 thatis used to receive a support portion of a vent tube that is part of thetoilet system. As can be appreciated, if the toilet system does notinclude a vent tube, or the vent tube is directed through the bottomsection or the side wall instead of the top section, then the vent tubeopening in the lower portion can be eliminated. As can also beappreciated, a vent tube opening can alternatively be positioned in theupper portion 240 of the top section; however, this is not required.

The side wall flange 220 on the lower portion of the top section canoptionally include a door frame recess 230 that is designed to receive atop portion of the door system. The size, shape and configuration of thedoor frame recess are non-limiting.

The upper portion 240 is illustrated as removably connected to the lowerportion of the top section. As can be appreciated, the upper portion canbe irremovably connected to the lower portion or be integrally formedwith the lower portion; however, this is not required. The upper portionhas a shape that is similar to the pull top portion 242 of a beveragecan. This configuration of the upper portion is used to facilitate inthe overall look of the portable toilet. As such, when the outer surfaceof the portable toilet is to look similar to a beverage can, the pulltop shape on the upper portion can be used to facilitate in the overallbeverage can look of the portable toilet. When the upper portion of thetop section is removable, different shaped upper portions can beconnected to the lower portion to create different overall appearancesof the portable toilet. As such, different upper portion configurationscan be used for different themes for the portable toilet (e.g., beveragebottle top, WD-40 can top, etc.); however, this is not required. Thecolor of the top section can also be selected to match color schemes ofproducts; however, this is not required. The manner in which the upperportion is connected to the lower portion is non-limiting (e.g., meltedseam, adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, snap connections, etc.). Theupper portion can include a vent tube recess 244 to be fitted about aportion of the vent tube of the toilet system; however, this is notrequired. The bottom portion of the top section can optionally include alanding 217 to receive a lower surface of the upper portion. Asillustrated in FIG. 6, the landing 217 is positioned on rim 216;however, this is not required.

The bottom section 300 can have an outer profile that is the same orsimilar to the outer profile of the top section as illustrated in FIGS.6 and 10-12; however, this is not required. The bottom section includesa base portion 310 and a side wall flange 350. The base portion has agenerally circular cross-sectional shape; however, the base portion canhave other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., square, rectangular, oval,polygonal, etc.). The side wall flange 350 can fully or partiallyencircle the base portion. As will be described in more detail below,the side wall flange is designed to fit about a bottom region of theside wall when the bottom edge of the side wall 400 is positioned on thebottom section. The side wall flange includes an inner surface 352 thatis designed to engage the side wall; however, this is not required. Theinner surface of the side wall flange can have a continuous arcuatesurface or be formed of a plurality of straight or arcuate sections. Asillustrated in FIG. 6, the inner surface of the side wall flange isformed of a plurality of straight or arcuate sections 352 a. The numberof straight or arcuate sections generally is the same of the number ofsides of the portable toilet; however, this is not required. Asillustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the portable toilet includes eight (8) sides.As such, the number of straight or arcuate sections 352 a of the sidewall flange for the bottom section illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 is six (6)longer sides and two (2) shorter sides that are used in conjunction withthe door system. Also, the length of the straight or arcuate sections isgenerally the same as the length of a corresponding side wall section.As can be appreciated, the configuration of the inner surface of theside wall flange can be used to properly orient the side wall on thebottom section; however, this is not required. The base portion 310 caninclude a bottom landing 312 that is designed to engage the bottom edgeof the side wall when the side wall is placed on the bottom section;however, this is not required. The bottom landing extends inwardly fromthe inner surface of the side wall flange 352 as illustrated in FIGS. 6and 11. A wall slot, not shown, can be optionally used to receive aportion of the bottom edge of the side wall when the side wall is fittedor positioned on the bottom section; however, this is not required. Whena wall slot is used, the inner surface of the side wall flange can formone side of the wall slot; however, this is not required.

The bottom portion can optionally include mounting tabs 360 that can beused to secure the bottom section to a ground surface. The number ofmounting tabs on the bottom portion, the size/shape/configuration of themounting tabs, and the location of the mounting tabs on the bottomportion is non-limiting. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the mounting tabshave an opening 362; however, this is not required.

The configuration of the outer surface of the bottom portion isnon-limiting. As illustrated in FIG. 1-6, the portable toilet isillustrated as looking similar to a beverage can. As such, the outersurface of the bottom portion is designed to look similar to the bottomof a beverage can or some other type of product container. Essentially,the outer surface of the bottom portion, similar to the outer surfacesof the top section, is used to create a certain look for the portabletoilet.

The base portion 310 can optionally include a vent tube opening 320 thatis used to receive one end of a vent tube that is part of the toiletsystem. As can be appreciated, if the toilet system does not include avent tube, or the vent tube is directed through the side wall instead ofthe base portion, then the vent tube opening in the base portion can beeliminated.

The base portion can optionally include a door frame recess 330 that isdesigned to receive a bottom portion of the door system. The size, shapeand configuration of the door frame recess are non-limiting.

The base portion can optionally include several structures. Onenon-limiting structure is a door mount flange 332 and a door pin 334that are designed to engage a lower portion of the door system. The doormount flange 332 and a door pin 334, when used, can be of anyconfiguration. The door mount flange 332 and a door pin 334, when used,are designed to facilitate in positioning the door frame system on thebase portion and/or secure the door system to the base portions;however, this is not required.

The base portion can include one or more drainage grooves 336 tofacilitate in draining liquid off of the base portion. As illustrated inFIG. 9, one or more drain slots 338 enable fluid in the drainage grooveto exit the base portion and onto a ground surface. Generally, the oneor more drain slots, when used, are positioned on the bottom of thedrainage grooves; however, this is not required.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the base portion can include one or morereinforcement structures 340. The size, shape, number and configurationof the reinforcement structures 340 are non-limiting. The reinforcementstructures are designed to provide strength, support and/or rigidity toone or more portions of the base portion. As illustrated in FIG. 9, thereinforcement structures are in the form of conical structures thatextend upwardly from the bottom surface of the base portion; however,this is not required. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the base portionincludes a bottom recess 314; however, this is not required. The bottomrecess, when included on the base portion, results in the central regionof the base portion to be elevated from a ground surface when the baseportion is positioned on a ground surface. Such elevated region canfacilitate in the drainage of fluid through drain slots 338; however,this is not required.

The base portion can include one or more toilet system connectionarrangements 342; however, this is not required. The size, shape, numberand configuration of the toilet system connection arrangements arenon-limiting. As illustrated in FIG. 9, two toilet system connectionarrangements in the form of oval slots are illustrated on the topsurface of the base portion. The base portion can also include a toiletsystem opening 344. The size, shape, materials, and configuration of thetoilet system opening are non-limiting. The toilet system opening, whenused, can have one or more uses, namely 1) provide ventilation into/outof the interior of the portable toilet, 2) enable liquids to drain fromthe base portion and/or toilet system, 3) reduce the weight/materials ofthe bottom section, and/or 4) enable one or more structures of thetoilet system to be partially or fully positioned in the toilet systemopening. As can be appreciated, the toilet system opening can have otheror additional uses.

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 13 and 14, the side wall 400 of the portabletoilet is generally formed of a bendable or otherwise formable material.Generally, the side wall is formed of a recyclable material that allowsthe side wall to be simply disposed of during the cleaning of theportable toilet; however, this is not required. In one non-limitingarrangement, the side wall is formed of paper board, cardboard material,press board or fiberboard material that includes a cellulose material;however, this is not required. The size, thickness, height, weight,materials, and configuration of the side wall are non-limiting. In onenon-limiting configuration, the average thickness of the side wall isabout 0.1-3 inches, typically 0.1-2 inches, more typically about 0.2-1inches, and even more typically about 0.25-1 inches; however, otherthicknesses can be used. In another and/or alternative non-limitingconfiguration, the maximum width or height of the side wall is generallyabout 3-10 feet, typically 4-8 feet, and more typically about 5-7 feet.In another and/or alternative non-limiting configuration, the maximumlength of the side wall is generally about 8-20 feet, typically 10-16feet, and more typically about 10-14 feet. As illustrated in FIG. 13,the side wall in the non-folded, flat configuration has a generallyrectangular configuration. The height of the side wall in thisparticular non-limiting configuration is about 5.5-7 feet, the thicknessof the side wall is about 0.3-0.9 inches, and the length of the sidewall is about 11-13 feet.

The front face 410 and/or the back face 420 can include various types ofinformation and/or designs A. The type or color of information and/orthe design on the side wall are non-limiting. For example, if a beveragecompany such as The Coca-Cola Company was sponsoring an event and/or theportable toilets at an event, the front surface of the side wall couldbe printed to look like a product of The Coca-Cola Company (e.g., Cokecan, Diet Coke can, A&W can, Squirt can, Dr. Pepper can, Minute Maidcan, PowerAde bottle, etc) Likewise the bottom section and/or topsection can be configured, colored, etc. to facilitate in the look ofthe product of The Coca-Cola Company so as to make the portable toiletbetter represent the product of the sponsor. The side wall can be simplypreprinted prior to shipping to an event; however, it can be appreciatedthat some or all of the information and/or designs can be applied to theside wall at the event. The flat form or configuration of the side wallfacilitates in the ease and convenience of storing and shipping one ormore side walls to a particular location. As illustrated in FIG. 14, aplurality of side walls can be stacked together for transport; however,this is not required. As can be appreciated, the side wall can bemanufactured and optionally have printing applied at some manufacturinglocation and the side wall can be shipped to an event locationindependently of the manner in which the top and/or bottom section isshipped to a particular location. As can also be appreciated, an evenlocation could retain one or more sets of top and bottom sections of theportable toilet and merely order more side walls from a vendor ormanufacturer for particular events, and optionally have customizedprinting applied to the side wall for different events; however, this isnot required.

The side wall generally includes scoring 430 to facilitate in thebending of the side wall for connection to the top and bottom sectionwhen the portable toilet is assembled; however, this is not required.The scoring can be in the form of slots, grooves and the like. Asillustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the side wall includes seven regions ofscoring; however, other amounts of scoring can be used. The scoring isillustrated as extending the full or substantially the full width of theside wall; however, this is not required. As illustrated in FIG. 6, theside wall is bent at each region of scoring on the side wall. Thescoring pattern on the side wall illustrated in FIG. 13 is designed tocreate six (6) sides 402 having generally the same width and twonarrower width sides 404 at each end of the side wall. The two narrowerwidth portions of the side wall are designed to be positioned next to orconnect to the door system. As can be appreciated, many other scoringpatterns can be used on the side wall to enable the side wall to be bentand configured for use in the portable toilet.

The side wall can optionally include one or more vent openings 440. Thevent opening can be designed to receive vent grills or covers 442;however, this is not required. Indeed, the one or more vent openings canbe cut and/or configured such that vent covers or grills are notrequired. The size, shape, configuration and location of the one or morevent openings on the side wall are non-limiting. The side wall canoptionally include one or more connection slots 450 that can be used tosecure one or more components of the toilet system to the side wall;however, this is not required. The size, shape, configuration andlocation of the one or more connection slots on the side wall arenon-limiting.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 15-20, one non-limiting door system 500that can be used in the portable toilet is illustrated. The size, shape,configuration, color and materials of the door system are non-limiting.The door system is illustrated as including a door frame 510 and twodoors 520, 530 that are hingeably or pivotally connected to the doorframe. The size, shape, height, thickness, materials, and configurationof the two doors are non-limiting. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the twodoors have generally the same shape, size and configuration; however,this is not required. The door frame is illustrated as having two doors;however, it can be appreciated that the door system can include a singledoor or more than two doors. Each door includes a handle 522, 532 toenable a user to pull open the doors. The size, shape, height,thickness, color, materials, and configuration of each handle arenon-limiting. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the two handles have generallythe same shape, size and configuration; however, this is not required.As illustrated in FIG. 1, each of the doors plus one of narrower widthsides 404 of the side wall form one side of the portable toilet. Assuch, the two doors of the door system plus the two narrower width sides404 of the side wall form two sides of the portable toilet and the sixsides 402 of the side wall form the other six sides of the portabletoilet for a total of eight sides of the portable toilet. As can beappreciated, the side wall and/or the door system can be configured tocreate less than eight sides or more than eight sides for the portabletoilet.

The inner surface of the two doors includes a door lock arrangement 540.The size, shape, color, materials, and configuration of the door lockarrangement, when used, are non-limiting. As illustrated in FIGS. 17, 19and 20, the door lock arrangement includes a pivoting latch section 542that is mounted to one of the doors and is designed to pivot between alocked and unlocked position. FIG. 19 illustrates the pivoting latchsection in the locked position and FIG. 20 illustrates the pivotinglatch section in the unlocked position. The pivoting latch section caninclude a grasping portion 544 to enable a user to easily andconveniently grasp the pivoting latch section and move the pivotinglatch section as indicated by the arrow on the pivoting latch section;however, this is not required. The door lock arrangement also includeslock housing 546 mounted to the other door. The lock housing includes aslot or forms a slot 548 with the inner surface of the door that isdesigned to receive a portion of the pivoting latch section 542. Thelock housing can include a lock release tab 549 that engages and/orinteracts with a tab or slot 543 on the pivoting latch section; however,this is not required. The door lock arrangement can be connected to thedoor in any manner (e.g., adhesive, rivet, screw, bolt, snap connection,etc.).

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 18, the frame 510 of the door system includesa door cavity 512 that is designed to receive a side portion of a doorand to secure the door to the door frame. The connection between thedoor frame and the door can be any type of connection (e.g., frictionconnection, adhesive connection, rivet connection, screw or boltconnection, snap fit connection, etc.). The end of the door isillustrated in FIG. 15 to have a narrower thickness for fitting into thedoor cavity; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, thedoor can be connected to the door frame in other or alternative ways.The frame 510 of the door system also includes a wall cavity 514 that isdesigned to receive a narrower width side 404 of the side wall. Theconnection between the door frame and the side wall can be any type ofconnection (e.g., friction connection, adhesive connection, rivetconnection, screw or bolt connection, snap fit connection, etc.). As canbe appreciated, the side wall can be connected to the door frame inother or alternative ways. As also can be appreciated, the side walldoes not need to be connected to the door system.

The door frame can optionally include a pivot or hinge mechanism 516that enables one portion of the door frame to move relative to anotherportion of the door frame. The configuration of the pivot or hingemechanism is non-limiting. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the pivot or hingemechanism enables each door to swing between an open and closedposition.

The configuration of the portable toilet as described aboverevolutionizes 1) the way in which a portable toilet can be shipped to aparticular location, 2) the manner in which the portable toilet can bestored, 3) the manner in which the portable toilet can be assembled anddisassembled, 4) the manner in which the portable toilet can be cleaned,and 5) the ability of the portable toilet to be customized for variousevents.

A portion or all of the top section and base section are generallyformed of reusable materials such as a plastic material. The door systemis also partially or fully formed of reusable materials. As such, thetop section and bottom section of the portable toilet can be assembledand disassemble for a plurality of uses. After each use, the top andbottom section are generally cleaned and stored for later use or cleanedand transported to another location. The individualized top and bottomsections make such sections easier to clean due to the relatively lightweight of each section and the ability to move and orient the sectionfor cleaning when the section is not connected to the side wall and/ordoor system. Prior art portable toilets are not designed to be easilydisassembled, thus are cleaned and transported in the fully assembledform. As such, it is more difficult to clean all of the surfaces ofprior art portable toilets and more difficult to access and clean all ofthe regions of the fully assembled prior art portable toilets. Theability to easily disassemble the portable toilet of the presentinvention into small components results in easier cleaning of suchcomponents.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 12, the top and bottom sections can bestacked together for easy transport and storage to form a stacked set700 of a top and bottom section. The bottom edges of flange 220 on thetop section can rest on the top edge of flange 350 on the bottom sectionas illustrated in FIG. 10 to facilitate in the stacking of a set of topand bottom portions. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the bottom of the bottomsection can sit on the top of the section of another set of top andbottom portions so that a plurality of sets of top and bottom portionscan be stacked together for easy transport; however, this is notrequired. This stacking arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 12 canalso be used to save space when storing and/or transporting one or moreportable toilets. As illustrated in FIG. 14, a plurality of side wallscan be stacked together to facilitate in the easy and convenient storageand/or transport of the side wall. Also, the stacking of a plurality ofside walls can be used to save space when storing and/or transportingone or more portable toilets. As will be described in more detail below,a portion of the toilet system can be configured to be collapsible, thusbeing able to be stored between a set of stacked top and bottom sectionsas illustrated in FIG. 11; however, this is not required. Such acollapsible toilet system, when used, can be used to facilitate in theeasy and convenient storage and/or transport of the components of theportable toilet. As can be appreciated, the modular configuration of theportable toilet results in easier and more convenient storing,transporting and cleaning of the portable toilet as compared to priorart portable toilets.

As mentioned above, the side wall of the portable toilet is intended tobe disposed after the portable toilet is disassembled after being used.The side wall is generally formed of a disposable material, andtypically a disposable and recycled material. The side wall can also berecycled after use or disposed in a landfill or other disposal location.Since the side wall is not designed to be cleaned after use, the amountof cleaning, the time to clean, and the cleaning materials required toclean the portable toilet are reduced as compared to prior art portabletoilets.

As also mentioned above, the portable toilet of the present inventioncan be easily customized for various sponsors. The side wall of theportable toilet can be formed of a material (e.g., paper board,cardboard, etc.) that can include printing for certain events. Whenforming the side wall for use with a portable toilet at a certain event,customized printing can be included on the outside and/or insidesurfaces of the side wall; however, this is not required. For example,if PepsiCo Americas Foods was sponsoring a certain event, the outsidesurface of the side walls could include printing to look similar to aPepsiCo Americas Foods product (e.g., Pepsi can, Sierra Mist can, Slicecan, Tropicana Can, Ocean spray can, etc.) and the upper portion 240 ofthe top section can be customized to look similar to the top of theproduct, thus when the portable toilet is assembled, the portable toiletlooks similar to and advertises the product of the sponsor. When theportable toilet is to be used at a different location, the side wall ofthe portable toilet is disposed of after use, the top section, bottomsection, door system (when reusable), and toilet system is cleaned andshipped to the different location. A new side wall can be created andprinted to include printing for the different sponsor at the new eventlocation. For instance, if The Coca-Cola Company was sponsoring theevent at the new event location, the outside surface of the side wallscould include printing to look similar to The Coca-Cola Company product(e.g., Coke can, Diet Coke can, A&W can, Squirt can, Dr. Pepper can,Minute Maid can, PowerAde bottle, etc.) and the upper portion 240 of thetop section can be customized to look similar to the top of the product,thus when the portable toilet is assembled, the portable toilet lookssimilar to and advertises the product of the sponsor. As can beappreciated, if the upper portion 240 is generic for differentlysponsored products, the upper portion 240 can be reused at differentevents; however, this is not required. As can also be appreciated, ifthe portable toilet is used at a different event that is sponsored bythe same product sponsor, the side wall is still generally disposed ofafter each event and the other reusable components of the portabletoilet are generally cleaned after each event. As can be appreciatedfrom this non-limiting example, the outside appearance of the portabletoilet of the present invention can be easily customized for use bydifferent sponsors and/or to sponsor different products at one or moreevents.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 6, 7 11 and 21-23, there is illustrated onenon-limiting toilet system 600 that can be used in the portable toiletof the present invention. FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrated anothernon-limiting toilet system 600 that can be used in the portable toiletof the present invention. As can be appreciated, many differentconfigurations of toilet systems can be used in the portable toilet ofthe present invention. The size, shape, color and configuration of thetoilet system are non-limiting. The toilet system illustrated in FIGS.3, 6, 7, 11 and 21-23 is a collapsible toilet system. The toilet system600 includes a seat section 610 and a pivoting bottom section 660. Thebottom section can be pivotally connected to the seat section by one ormore hinges and/or by some other means. FIG. 21 illustrates the bottomsection in the collapsed or stored position and FIG. 23 illustrates thebottom section in the open position. The bottom edge of the bottomsection can optionally include one or more tabs 662 that can be used tosecure the bottom section in position in the interior of the portabletoilet. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the bottom section 300 includes twotoilet system connection arrangements 342 that are designed to receivetabs 662 when the toilet system is installed in the interior of theportable toilet. As can be appreciated, other or additional arrangementscan be used to secure the bottom section of the toilet system to thebase section 300.

The seat section 610 also includes one or more back tabs 612 that aredesigned to be inserted into a connection slot 450 in side wall 400 whenthe toilet system is installed in the interior of the portable toilet.The back tabs 612 are sued to support the seat section on the side wallof the portable toilet. As can be appreciated, other or additionalarrangements can be used to secure and support the seat section to theside wall of the portable toilet. The seat section also can optionallyinclude one or more lock tabs 614. The lock tabs are designed to beextendable and retractable; however, this is not required. FIGS. 22 and23 illustrate the lock tabs in the extended position and FIG. 21illustrates the lock tabs in the retracted position. The one or morelock tabs, when used, can secure and release the toilet system in theinterior of the portable toilet. For instance, the bottom section of thetoilet system can be folded down into the open position and tabs 662 canbe inserted into connection arrangements 342, and the seat portion canbe moved toward the side wall to cause back tabs 612 to be inserted intoconnection slots 450 on the side wall. Thereafter, the lock tabs 614 canbe moved to extended position so that the front end of the lock tab isinserted into connection slots 450 in the side wall. The seat sectionincludes a lock cavity 616 that includes a lock slot 618. The lock tabincludes a handle 615 that can be moved in the lock cavity 616 to causethe lock tab to be moved between the extended and retracted position. Ascan be appreciated, other or additional arrangements can be used tocause the lock tab to be moved between the extended and retractedposition. As can also be appreciated, a lock mechanism, not shown, canoptionally be used to lock the lock tab in the extended and/or retractedportion.

The rear region of the seat section can optionally include a ventopening 620 that is designed to receive and/or support a vent tube 670.As illustrated in FIG. 3, the vent tube 670 can extend from the seatsection to and through vent tube opening 218 in the top section 200 ofthe portable toilet. The top of the vent tube can optionally include atube vent cover or cap 672. As can be appreciated, the vent tube canalso or alternatively extend through the side wall; however, this is notrequired. As can also be appreciated, the location of vent opening 620can be in other or additional regions on the seat section. As can alsobe appreciated, vent opening 620 can be eliminated if the vent tubeextends through the side wall; however, this is not required.

The seat section includes a toilet opening 630. The toilet opening isdesigned to enable a removable disposable waste pouch 800 to be insertedand removed from the toilet opening. The toilet opening optionallyincludes a lower landing 632 that allows an outer edge 802 of theremovable disposable waste pouch to be seated. The toilet openingoptionally includes one or more side recesses 634 that are used to graspthe outer edge 802 of the removable disposable waste pouch when removingthe removable disposable waste pouch from the toilet opening. Anelevated seat rim 636 can be optionally included on the seat section andpartially or fully encircle the toilet opening. A seat housing 640 canbe designed to be inserted on and/or over the seat rim. The seat housingcan be optionally hingeably or pivotally connected to one side of theseat section. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the seat housing is connectedto the seat section and is in the open position so that a removabledisposable waste pouch can be inserted in or removed from the toiletopening as illustrated in FIG. 23. FIGS. 3 and 21 illustrate the seathousing in the closed position. As can be appreciated, a lockingarrangement can optionally be used to secure the seat housing in theclosed position on the seat section. The seat housing includes anopening 646 and an optional rim about and downwardly from opening 648. Aseat lid 642 is hingeably connected to the seat housing by a hinge 644.The lid is designed to cover opening 648 of the seat housing.

The seat section can optionally include a fume cavity 650 that enablesfumes to flow from the removable disposable waste pouch and into venttube 670 via a tube opening 674. As can be appreciated, other oradditional arrangements can be used to enable the flow of fumes from theremovable disposable waste pouch and into vent tube 670.

Referring now to FIGS. 24-27, the use of the removable disposable wastepouch 800 is illustrated in more detail. FIG. 24 illustrates theremovable disposable waste pouch in the fully open position. A user canuse his/her hands H to grasp the rim 802 of the removable disposablewaste pouch when inserting and/or removing the removable disposablewaste pouch from the toilet opening in the seat section of the toiletsystem. The rim can be optionally formed of different materials from thepouch portion 804 of the removable disposable waste pouch; however, thisis not required. For example, the rim can be formed of rigid plastic ormetal material and the pouch portion can be formed of a flexiblematerial; however, this is not required. The pouch portion is generallyformed of a liquid proof material; however, this is not required. Therim can be optionally formed to enable the removable disposable wastepouch to be conveniently closed for disposal. One such rim arrangementis illustrated in FIGS. 24-27 and the closing of the removabledisposable waste pouch using such non-limiting rim configuration isillustrated in FIGS. 25-27. The rim can include one or more flexiblesections 806 that can be used to facilitate in the bending of the rim incertain locations; however, this is not required. The size, shape,configuration and materials of the removable disposable waste pouch arenon-limiting. Generally, the size and shape of the removable disposablewaste pouch is selected to be easily and conveniently inserted into andremoved from the toilet opening in the seat section when the seathousing is in the open position.

Referring now to FIGS. 28 and 29, the portable toilet can include adifferently configured toilet system 900. The other components of theportable toilet are generally the same as the portable toiletillustrated and described in FIGS. 1-19, thus similar structures willretain the same reference numbers and will not be described again. Thetoilet system includes a tank 910 that is used to store refuse. The tankcan include chemicals to treat the refuse in the tank and/or to counterthe odor in the tank; however, this is not required. The back side ofthe tank can include a drain opening 912 that can be used to removefluids and solids from the tank and to facilitate in cleaning the tank.The drain opening can be used to insert treatment fluid into the tank;however, this is not required. When a drain opening is used, the sidewall generally includes an opening to allow access to the drain opening;however, this is not required. The drain opening generally includes aremovable cover. The top surface 920 of the tank includes a toiletopening 930. An opening rim 932 can optionally extend downwardly fromthe toilet opening. A toilet seat 940 is generally connected to the topsurface of the tank to partially or fully cover the toilet opening;however, this is not required. The toilet seat can include a seat rim942 and a seat cover 944; however, this is not required. The seat coverand/or seat rim can be hingeably connected by a hinge 946 to enable thecomponents to open and close; however, this is not required. The toiletsystem can optionally include a urinal 950 that is connected to the tank910. As can be appreciated, the size, shape, configuration and materialsof the toilet system are non-limiting.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those madeapparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, andsince certain changes may be made in the constructions set forth withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intendedthat all matter contained in the above description and shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. The invention has been described with reference topreferred and alternate embodiments. Modifications and alterations willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading andunderstanding the detailed discussion of the invention provided herein.This invention is intended to include all such modifications andalterations insofar as they come within the scope of the presentinvention. It is also to be understood that the following claims areintended to cover all of the generic and specific features of theinvention herein described and all statements of the scope of theinvention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to falltherebetween. The invention has been described with reference to thepreferred embodiments. These and other modifications of the preferredembodiments as well as other embodiments of the invention will beobvious from the disclosure herein, whereby the foregoing descriptivematter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention andnot as a limitation. It is intended to include all such modificationsand alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appendedclaims.

We claim:
 1. A portable toilet comprising: a top section, said topsection including a top wall slot; a bottom section, said bottom sectionincluding a bottom wall slot; a side wall, a top edge of said side wallremovably insertable into said top wall slot, a bottom edge of said sidewall removably insertable into said bottom wall slot; and, a doorsystem, said door system including a door frame and at least one door,said door frame including first and second wall side slots, a first sideof said side wall removably insertable into said first wall side slot, asecond side of said side wall removably insertable into said second wallside slot.
 2. The portable toilet as defined in claim 1, wherein saidside wall is formed of a single piece of material, said side wall formedof a disposable material.
 3. The portable toilet as defined in claim 2,wherein said side wall is a material selected from the group consistingof paper board, cardboard material, press board, fiberboard material, orcombinations thereof, said material including a cellulose material. 4.The portable toilet as defined in claim 1, wherein said top section andsaid bottom section formed of a reusable material, said material used toform said top section and said bottom section is different from saidmaterial used to form said side wall.
 5. The portable toilet as definedin claim 3, wherein said top section and said bottom section are formedof a reusable material, said material used to form said top section andsaid bottom section is different from said material used to form saidside wall.
 6. The portable toilet as defined in claim 4, wherein amajority of said top section and said bottom section are formed of oneor more materials selected from the group consisting of plastic,composite materials, fiberglass, and carbon fiber material.
 7. Theportable toilet as defined in claim 5, wherein a majority of said topsection and said bottom section are formed of one or more materialsselected from the group consisting of plastic, composite materials,fiberglass, and carbon fiber material.
 8. The portable toilet as definedin claim 2, wherein said side wall includes a plurality of grooves orslots designed to enable said side wall to be bent at each of saidgrooves or slots to enable said side wall to at least partially conformto a shape of said top and bottom sections.
 9. The portable toilet asdefined in claim 8, wherein said side wall includes at least fourprimary sides and two door connecting sides, said primary sides spacedfrom said door system, said door connecting sides detachably connectedto said door system.
 10. The portable toilet as defined in claim 9,wherein said side wall includes at least five primary sides and two doorconnecting sides, said primary sides spaced from said door system, saiddoor connecting sides detachably connected to said door system.
 11. Theportable toilet as defined in claim 9, wherein said side wall includesat least six primary sides and two door connecting sides, said primarysides spaced from said door system, said door connecting sidesdetachably connected to said door system.
 12. The portable toilet asdefined in claim 1, wherein said top section has a circular topperimeter edge, said base portion having a circular bottom perimeteredge.
 13. The portable toilet as defined in claim 1, wherein said doorsystem is detachably connected to said top and bottom sections.
 14. Theportable toilet as defined in claim 1, wherein said side wall includesan opening designed to receive a vent cover to enable air flow betweenan interior of said portable toilet and said exterior of said portabletoilet.
 15. A portable toilet comprising: a top section, said topsection formed of a reusable material, said top section including a topwall slot; a bottom section, said bottom section formed of a reusablematerial, said bottom section including a bottom wall slot; a side wall,said side wall formed of a single piece of material, said side wallformed of a disposable material, said material used to form said topsection and said bottom section is different from said material used toform said side wall, a top edge of said side wall removably insertableinto said top wall slot, a bottom edge of said side wall removablyinsertable into said bottom wall slot; and, a door system, said doorsystem including a door frame and at least one door, said door frameincluding first and second wall side slots, said door system detachablyconnected to said top and bottom sections, a first side of said sidewall removably insertable into said first wall side slot, a second sideof said side wall removably insertable into said second wall side slot.16. The portable toilet as defined in claim 15, wherein said side wallis a material selected from the group consisting of paper board,cardboard material, press board, fiberboard material, or combinationsthereof, said material including a cellulose material, a majority ofsaid top section and said bottom section formed of one or more materialsselected from the group consisting of plastic, composite materials,fiberglass, and carbon fiber material.
 17. The portable toilet asdefined in claim 15, wherein said side wall includes a plurality ofgrooves or slots designed to enable said side wall to be bent at each ofsaid grooves or slots to enable said side wall to at least partiallyconform to a shape of said top and bottom sections, said side wallincludes at least five primary sides and two door connecting sides, saidprimary sides spaced from said door system, said door connecting sidesdetachably connected to said door system.
 18. The portable toilet asdefined in claim 16, wherein said side wall includes at least fourprimary sides and two door connecting sides, said primary sides spacedfrom said door system, said door connecting sides detachably connectedto said door system, said side wall includes at least five primary sidesand two door connecting sides, said primary sides spaced from said doorsystem, said door connecting sides detachably connected to said doorsystem.
 19. The portable toilet as defined in claim 15, wherein said topsection has a circular top perimeter edge, said base portion having acircular bottom perimeter edge.
 20. The portable toilet as defined inclaim 15, wherein said side wall includes an opening designed to receivea vent cover to enable air flow between an interior of said portabletoilet and said exterior of said portable toilet.